Campaign to boost sales of mineral water again
Mineral water instead of "Hahnenburger": Following a decline in the consumption of domestic mineral water last year, the beverage industry wants to launch a counter-campaign.
How the newspapers Ostschweiz am Sonntag and Central Switzerland on Sunday report, the benefits of mineral water will be promoted to restaurateurs in the spring.
Despite the hot summer of 2018, consumption of domestic mineral water fell by 0.4%. In the same period, sales of foreign brands rose by 1.5%. Consumption of other soft drinks and beer also increased.
The Association of Swiss Beverage Wholesalers (VSG) attributes the decline to the popularity of tap water. More and more "Hahnenburgers" are also being used in the catering trade, says VSG President Gmür. Devices that turn water into sparkling water are increasingly being installed. As good as tap water is in many places, retailers are suffering from the trend, says Gmür: "We're losing a lot of sales."
However, mineral water is still the most consumed cold drink in Switzerland. Around 115 liters per person per year are consumed. The figure for soft drinks is around 68 liters and for beer around 55 liters.
Reminding people of the benefits of mineral water
The announced campaign is intended to remind restaurateurs of the benefits of mineral water and thus boost sales again. In contrast to tap water, mineral water never has to be treated, says Gmür. The latter is partly obtained from lake, river and groundwater. In areas with a lot of agriculture, the nitrate content sometimes becomes an issue and here and there there is also contamination from bacteria or pesticides.
Whether restaurateurs and consumers will let the campaign take away their desire for tap water will become clear from next spring. (hae/SDA)
Photo: Pixabay/LUM3N
